Facilities Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Chicago seeks a Facility/Plant Engineer to oversee reliability, maintenance, and continuous improvement of facility infrastructure and utility systems in a high-volume environment.

The role leads maintenance activities, coordinates contractors, and drives capital projects while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Strong experience in boilers, HVAC, and building systems is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of facility/plant engineering or industrial maintenance.
• Experience with high-pressure steam/boiler systems, HVAC, plumbing, and general building maintenance.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field preferred.
• Experience managing facility projects, contractors, vendors, budgets, and maintenance schedules.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and reliability of plant utility systems (steam/boiler, HVAC, plumbing, chillers).
• Direct and coordinate preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.
• Develop proactive maintenance programs for building systems and infrastructure.
• Manage facility repairs, upgrades, and capital projects, including budgeting and contractor coordination.
• Coordinate vendor and contractor visits to minimize disruptions.
• Support SOP development for facility equipment and processes.
• Organize 24/7 boiler coverage and pursue required stationary engineering license.
• Oversee wastewater program and obtain required operator license.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, regulations, and company policies.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, operations, vendors and contractors.

Skills

Facility/Plant engineering

High-pressure steam/boiler systems

HVAC

Preventive/predictive maintenance

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

CMMS

Blueprints reading

Job description

A leading manufacturing organization is seeking a Facility/Plant Engineer to oversee the reliability, maintenance, and continuous improvement of facility infrastructure and utility systems within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role will provide technical leadership for high-pressure steam/boiler systems, HVAC, plumbing, wastewater, and general building systems while coordinating maintenance activities, contractors, and facility improvement projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of plant utility systems, including high-pressure steam/boiler systems, HVAC, plumbing, chillers, dehumidification, and related equipment.
• Direct and coordinate maintenance personnel performing preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.
• Develop and implement proactive maintenance programs covering building systems, sprinklers, steam traps, sewers, flooring, air handling/roof-top units, and general facility infrastructure.
• Manage facility repairs, upgrades, and capital projects, including budgeting, scheduling, contractor coordination, and installation oversight.
• Coordinate vendor, contractor, and technician visits to minimize operational disruptions.
• Support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for facility equipment and processes.
• Organize and maintain 24/7 boiler coverage through stationary engineering personnel and work toward obtaining the required stationary engineering license.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the facility wastewater program and obtain the required wastewater operator license.
• Maintain and oversee underground storage tanks and obtain the required underground storage tank operator license.
• Ensure facility activities comply with OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations, as well as applicable company policies and operational standards.
• Partner with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to improve facility reliability, efficiency, safety, and overall plant performance.
• Read and interpret mechanical, building, and equipment drawings to support maintenance and facility improvement activities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in facility engineering, plant engineering, or industrial maintenance.
• Strong experience with high-pressure steam/boiler systems, HVAC, plumbing, and general building maintenance.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field preferred.
• Experience managing facility projects, contractors, vendors, budgets, and maintenance schedules.
• Experience with CMMS platforms and computerized maintenance systems preferred.
• Ability to interpret mechanical and building blueprints, equipment drawings, and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with maintenance, engineering, operations, vendors, and contractors.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, as needed.

Must-Have Skills

• 5+ years of facility/plant engineering or industrial maintenance experience
• High-pressure steam/boiler, HVAC, and plumbing systems
• Facility infrastructure and preventive/predictive maintenance
• Regulatory, safety, and compliance knowledge